From commitments to action: Leveraging synergies between the BBNJ Agreement and the work under the CBD in support of their effective implementation

SBSTTA 28 SIDE EVENT #6915

Wednesday, 29 July, 13:15

CR-1- Asia and Pacific / Contact Group 1

The entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement on 17 January 2026 marked a major milestone for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). As the focus shifts to implementation and preparations advance for the first meeting of the BBNJ Conference of the Parties (BBNJ COP1), there are important opportunities to strengthen cooperation and synergies between the BBNJ Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

At BBNJ COP1, to be convened from 11 to 22 January 2027, key decisions will be taken on the implementation of the Agreement, including arrangements to enhance cooperation with relevant
instruments, frameworks and bodies. In addition, a recent expert workshop on scientific and technical work under the CBD relevant to marine biodiversity in ABNJ identified opportunities for further contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in ABNJ. It is therefore timely to continue dialogue on synergies between the Agreement and the CBD in support of their respective effective implementation.

This side event will provide an update on recent developments relating to the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, including outcomes of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission and preparations for BBNJ COP1. It will explore scientific and technical work under the CBD relevant to the Agreement and discuss opportunities for cooperation and synergies between the BBNJ Agreement and the CBD, including the KMGBF.